While I miss by family and furry friends back home, I am thrilled to be apart of this years APDT Conference! Here are just a view of the speakers that have presented so far: Karen Pryer, author Don’t Shoot The Dog Teoti Anderson, author of 4 canine training books. Ian Dunbar, APDT founder and author […]
Association of Pet Dog Trainers Conference – Day 1 Read More »
Puff the samoyed and Lilly the springer When Puff reached the toy first, Lilly politely looked away, avoiding any type of conflict. This shows she has good manners and has no bullying behaviors with other dogs. Puff also let other pups win the toys in class and played nicely when approached. If a pup
Socialization improves body language skills Read More »
Trainers often teach a dog to focus on their handler by using a “watch me” or “look at me” cue. Once this is well conditioned and can be performed without distractions, we can teach the dog an “Auto watch.” Trainers use this behavior when desensitizing dogs to scary stimuli. For example, maybe your dog barks
Alternate Behavior Read More »
Because September is Safety month, I wanted to talk a little bit about these controversial collars. pinch collar Do you know which one is actually more dangerous? While the Pinch collar looks barbaric with its long spikes, it will not choke a dog to the point of death. On the other hand, the old fashion
While reading a book in the hospital waiting room last week, I heard these words spoken loudly over the speaker, CODE GREEN, CODE GREEN! Startled, I immediately looked at the staff workers all busy behind the check-in counter. Not one of them looked up, moved or even flinched. It was as though they heard nothing.
Our Small Dog Socialization class has been growing so I would like to enhance the format for each participant. Many small dogs become reactive on the leash and are difficult to walk in the presence of an unfamiliar dog or people. This may be the result of poor socialization, bullying behaviors, genetics, dominant aggression, fear
New Small Dog Leash Lungers Class Read More »
I like to joke with my clients that my three dogs are over the age of 4, no more adolescents! Does this make a difference? Sure, but does it mean I am done training? Not even close! Behavior will continue to improve if you continue working with your adolescent dog, but it will definitely get
When to stop training Read More »
Many clients ask me if they should use a collar or a harness on their dog. In reality, a harness is much safer if it is properly fitted. Many dogs can escape from a poor fitting harness and easily be in danger when near a street. Many dogs will adjust quickly to a harness,
I cannot tell you how many times I have asked my teenage daughter to finish her summer homework. “Later” was the response I received many times. I realized she needed motivation! Knowing she would soon be asking for a new school outfit, I offered to take her shopping once her homework was complete. Funny
Relationships based on Motivation Read More »
Have you ever seen your dog raise his paw when greeting a new dog? Layla arriving at puppy socialization class. How about the wagging tail and relaxed ears? If you look closely you may also see a tongue flick as seen in this photo. Layla a young boxer pup is greeting Cora with a look away,
